I'm about to invest in a printed copy of the Samyutta Nikaya, Bhikkhu Bodhi's translation, as it is one Nikaya for which I can't seem to locate all suttas online. The length on Amazon is listed at 2080 pages. How much does this amount to in thickness? Either inches or centimeters will suffice.

There are two ways to get it, in one volume or two. I have the one-volume version, and it's about 3 in./8 cm. thick (I'm working from memory). The binding is decent, but with moderate use the glue can fail in places along the spine and compromise the integrity of the thing, so two volumes may be better although I can't recall where the volume split occurs in terms of content.

"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]

Recently they seem to have changed the binding on the Middle Length and Connected Discourses. Previously they were the "perfect" binding which was far from perfect. Now they seem to use a new method that combines signatures (sections of pages folded together) and glue. It should be much more durrable than the previous bindings. They have also switched the paper to a slightly thicker stock.

(If you were getting the edition co-published by PTS, I think they are still the old binding.)

The copy of the SN I have is the single volume perfect binding with the thin paper. It is 2.75 inches. I don't think the thicker stock would put it over three inches if that.

Personally I much prefer the single volume as I'm not constantly having to figure out which book to look in. If you wanted the two volume set I think you would have to buy it used. And although each book would be smaller, it would be the "perfect" binding still prone to cracking. (Sorry for the scare quotes, but since it is in every way not a perfect binding, I can't help myself)

The new AN will be coming out as a single volume, btw. It will probably be about the same size as the SN.

Yes, it's pretty big isn't it. By all account the Anguttara Nikaya will be even larger.

As an aside, I put all the Theravada Dhamma books I've read into a box yesterday and move it from one room to another.

Now I have a sore back!

Putting heavy, dense books into the biggest box I could find probably wasn't the smartest move.

Metta,Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

Yes, it's pretty big isn't it. By all account the Anguttara Nikaya will be even larger.

Hey Retro

I initially thought the same but after checking Wisdom Pubs website it says Bodhi's new Anguttara translation is 1936 pages compared to his Samyutta translation which in the single volume is 2080 pages.

The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7